Sliding Quick Connect Coupling for Fluid Port Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to efficiently connect pre-assembled rigid tubing assemblies to fluid ports with varying positions in mass-produced products, requiring manual adjustments or skilled labor, especially in applications like motor vehicle systems.
Innovation Solution
A tube fitting design with a slidably movable coupling and o-ring seal, limited by a protuberance and recess mechanism, allows for fluid-tight connections despite positional variances, enabling assembly by unskilled labor or robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-assembled rigid tubing assemblies are used for mass production, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to accommodate fluid port position variances
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed to be slidable relative to the core, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate variations in fluid port positions. The coupling can move along the core within a predetermined tolerance range, enabling the rigid tubing assembly to adapt to manufacturing variances without requiring manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the coupling relative to the core by allowing it to slide. This parameter change enables the assembly to accommodate fluid port position variations while maintaining a fixed overall structure, resolving the contradiction between rigid pre-assembly and position tolerance.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are made to accommodate fluid port position variances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to requirement for skilled labor
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling automatically adjusts its position relative to the core by sliding along the core to accommodate fluid port position variances. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustments by skilled workers, allowing unskilled labor or robots to perform the assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid tubing assemblies are used without movement accommodation, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate position variances
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is segmented into a core and a separate coupling that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the overall structure to remain rigid while the coupling segment can move independently to accommodate position variances, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If coupling is allowed to move freely on the core, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed to be slidable relative to the core, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate variations in fluid port positions. The coupling can move along the core within a predetermined tolerance range, enabling the rigid tubing assembly to adapt to manufacturing variances without requiring manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The o-ring seal is pre-installed in an annular groove on the core before the coupling is assembled. This preliminary placement of the seal ensures that as the coupling slides along the core, the seal remains properly positioned to maintain a fluid-tight connection throughout the movement range.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, automated connection of rigid tubing assemblies to fluid ports with tolerance accommodation, ensuring fluid-tight seals and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
An o-ring seal is located in an annular groove in either an outer surface of the end section or the inner surface of the coupling to provide a fluid-tight seal between the core and the coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for use in a manifold or other tubular assembly includes a core and at least one tubular coupling sleeve slidably and sealingly fitted over a distal end of the core to accommodate predetermined tolerances in the relative positions of fluid ports connected with the tubular assembly. Features are provided to limit the range of motion to the predetermined tolerances and to prevent disassembly of the coupling sleeve from the core of the fitting.